Hector Sanchez Scouting Report (2010)
San Francisco Giants catching prospect Hector Sanchez spent the 2010 season splitting time behind the dish with former second round pick Tommy Joseph. In comparing both young catchers tool-for-tool, Sanchez held an advantage over Joseph in all areas except raw power leaving him the better all-around prospect. However, Sanchez is not without flaws as his physical conditioning and receiving skills are weak areas which require serious attention. The potential is there for him to be a big leaguer, but Sanchez will continue to be little more than an interesting sleeper until he develops are more professional approach.
Physical Projection: Listed at 6'1", 185 lbs., he appeared to be more in the 230 lb. range leaving one scout to suggest Sanchez needs to shed 30 or so pounds in excess weight. Even with the extra baggage, his athleticism is readily apparent as his movements combine both agility and explosion leaving him with significant potential. I can't help but wonder if any organization would identify a handful of prospects like a Sanchez who could provide significant return on what appears to be a small investment and provide them with the additional dietary and conditioning support needed to reach the big leagues. In terms of WAR, a salary of a personal trainer would cost about 1% of a win above replacement which is tantamount to a 2-4 major league debut.
Offense: Sanchez displays impressive power potential in batting practice, but has yet to translate that ability into game action. A switch hitter, his swing appears natural from both sides of the plate. There's a little length there, but his bat head speed and swing plane allow him impressive plate coverage. In game action, he showed the ability to drive pitches into the right-centerfield gap, but will need to learn how to stay inside pitches on the inner half to drive balls to the pull side. His approach also needs refinement as his load includes extra wiggle and movement which can hurt his timing. Additionally, he's often out front of offspeed pitches and runs the risk of being carved up by pitchers who can spin a breaking ball with any consistency.
Defense: In game action, Sanchez beamed a 1.93 to second base to gun down a Sand Gnats baserunner attempting to steal second base which left scouts looking at each other speechless. Between innings, Sanchez continued to display a strong arm and quick feet. His transfer needs a bit of work, but behind Christian Bethancourt, Sanchez had the best pop times I saw all season.
On the receiving side, Sanchez stabs at the ball with his glove leading one scout to call him a "butcher". At 20, he has time to work on the finer points of receiving, but I worry his splitting time could impede his progress. As for blocking, I saw no real issues, but shedding the extra weight through his mid section will do nothing but allow him to become even more agile.
Speed: 0/2 in the Sally in stolen base attempts. Need I say more?
In all honesty, Hector Sanchez was my favorite prospect on a weak Augusta GreenJackets roster. At 1-2 years Tommy Joseph's senior, I can see Sanchez being promoted to the California League with Joseph returning to Augusta for further development. If the Giants organization truly believes that both have the ability to catch at the big league level, they should be split up to maximize the innings each can work on the finer points of catching. On tools alone, Sanchez has the ability to catch at the big league level in at least a backup role. However, until his conditioning improves, it's hard to see San Francisco in his future.
Physical Projection: Listed at 6'1", 185 lbs., he appeared to be more in the 230 lb. range leaving one scout to suggest Sanchez needs to shed 30 or so pounds in excess weight. Even with the extra baggage, his athleticism is readily apparent as his movements combine both agility and explosion leaving him with significant potential. I can't help but wonder if any organization would identify a handful of prospects like a Sanchez who could provide significant return on what appears to be a small investment and provide them with the additional dietary and conditioning support needed to reach the big leagues. In terms of WAR, a salary of a personal trainer would cost about 1% of a win above replacement which is tantamount to a 2-4 major league debut.
Offense: Sanchez displays impressive power potential in batting practice, but has yet to translate that ability into game action. A switch hitter, his swing appears natural from both sides of the plate. There's a little length there, but his bat head speed and swing plane allow him impressive plate coverage. In game action, he showed the ability to drive pitches into the right-centerfield gap, but will need to learn how to stay inside pitches on the inner half to drive balls to the pull side. His approach also needs refinement as his load includes extra wiggle and movement which can hurt his timing. Additionally, he's often out front of offspeed pitches and runs the risk of being carved up by pitchers who can spin a breaking ball with any consistency.
Defense: In game action, Sanchez beamed a 1.93 to second base to gun down a Sand Gnats baserunner attempting to steal second base which left scouts looking at each other speechless. Between innings, Sanchez continued to display a strong arm and quick feet. His transfer needs a bit of work, but behind Christian Bethancourt, Sanchez had the best pop times I saw all season.
On the receiving side, Sanchez stabs at the ball with his glove leading one scout to call him a "butcher". At 20, he has time to work on the finer points of receiving, but I worry his splitting time could impede his progress. As for blocking, I saw no real issues, but shedding the extra weight through his mid section will do nothing but allow him to become even more agile.
Speed: 0/2 in the Sally in stolen base attempts. Need I say more?
In all honesty, Hector Sanchez was my favorite prospect on a weak Augusta GreenJackets roster. At 1-2 years Tommy Joseph's senior, I can see Sanchez being promoted to the California League with Joseph returning to Augusta for further development. If the Giants organization truly believes that both have the ability to catch at the big league level, they should be split up to maximize the innings each can work on the finer points of catching. On tools alone, Sanchez has the ability to catch at the big league level in at least a backup role. However, until his conditioning improves, it's hard to see San Francisco in his future.
